Ebel SA

It's a disappointing visit to Ebel, who's roots go back to 1911.
Since 1999 Ebel's been part of LVMH, the French luxury goods
concern.

It's a five-minute walk from downtown La Chaux-de-Fonds (population
35,000) to Ebel's four-story, 1960's concrete slab edifice. It's
a mostly business area with a slew of apartment buildings nearby.
Two large Ebel clocks grace the exterior near the entrance and
I check to make sure they're sporting the correct time. Yep they
are.

The reception area is very tiny with a single flower arrangement
on a small table. I'm told they know nothing about my letter
of introduction sent a month earlier to Juillaume Brochard, Managing
Director. Hmm, that seems suspect. I'm grateful however as Miriam
Di Ninni, Public Relations Manager, shows flexibility and agrees
to answers questions.

A total of 260 employees work here and in nearby facilities.
Employees are on their own in finding parking sports, smoking
is allowed in the workplace, there's no formal dress code, no
onsite recreational facilities and no cafeteria though there's
an employee breakroom. Any employee perks? The chance to buy
two watches a year at a substantial discount.

What's the workplace like? What's the view from Managing Director
Brochard's second floor corner office? What do Ebel's watches
look like? Don't ask me as my visit consists of the reception
area and a small meeting room a few feet away.